Daily News Issue Date: 
August 8, 2013
News: 

NEWS:

Israel gives preliminary approval for 800 new settler homes in the occupied West Bank, awaiting a green light from the government to commence the construction. (Reuters)
 
Chief Palestinian Negotiator Erekat calls on the international community to punish Israel over new settlement plans in southern Jerusalem. (PNN)
 
Netanyahu does not believe in the diplomatic process, Instead, he is focused on the negotiations themselves, according to the Israeli MK and leader of the ultra-Orthodox Shas party Deri. (Al-Monitor) 
 
The Israeli government sets a timetable to release the 104 Palestinian detainees, starting next week. (International Middle East Media Center)
 
Israeli soldiers clash with Palestinians in the West Bank city of Jenin after the arrest of an Islamic Jihad leader, and arrest a Palestinian journalist in Nablus. (Times of Israel/Ma'an)
 
The four Israeli soldiers who were injured Tuesday entered 400 meters inside a heavily mined area in Lebanon, according to Lebanon's army and one UN peacekeeping officer. (Ma'an) 
 
The Palestinian cabinet emphasizes the neutrality of the Palestinian factions in the Syrian conflict, and welcomes the departure of the militants from the refugee camps there. (PNN)
 
Egypt says Sinai patrols killed 60 militants since Morsi's ouster, and destroyed 102 Gaza tunnels. (Jerusalem Post/Ynet)
 
Rep. Hoyer threatens to cut US funding of PA schools after Erekat admits unfair portrayal of Jews in curriculum, during a week-long visit to Israel and the West Bank. (Jerusalem Post)
 
Rep. Cantor will lead 26 GOP lawmakers on a tour of Israel funded by AIPAC’s educational affiliate. (JTA)
 
PM Netanyahu says new Iranian Pres. Rohani’s call for serious negotiations over his country’s nuclear program is a ploy to continue enriching uranium. (JTA)
 
Gazans turn to satirical writings to express discontent with religious and political movements. (Al-Monitor) 
 
Millions of Muslims begin celebrating the end of the fasting month of Ramadan on Thursday. (Statesman)
 
 
COMMENTARY:
 
Nicola Nasser thinks the Palestinian-Israeli peace talks are doomed to fail unless the issue of settlements is addressed. (PNN)
 
Mira Sucharov says the latest Israeli poll raises some troubling questions about the state of Israeli democracy. (The Daily Beast/Open Zion)
 
Dahlia Scheindlin disagrees with those who read the latest poll as a dramatic shift in the Israeli public's attitude toward a peace deal with the Palestinians. (+972 Mag)
 
Shawan Jabarin says the Israeli occupation has no future. (PNN) 
 
Sherwin Pomerant questions the timing of release of 104 Palestinian prisoners. (Jerusalem Post)
 
David Harel expresses skepticism of Netanyahu's intentions on starting peace talks, however, cheers for him to press on. (Ynet)
 
Hagai Segal says Israelis expect more pro-settlement policies to translate their votes. (Ynet)
 
Ekiva Eldar says Netanyahu must mobilize the media, the education system and other influencers to prepare Jewish public for peace. (Al-Monitor)
 
Brent Sasley recommends participating in academic Israel programs, and notes the accusations that it promote pro-Israel propaganda. (The Daily Beast/Open Zion)
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